Tory MP Accuses Parents of Failing Children in His Constituency

Bury North’s Tory MP James Daly has slammed the parents of working-class families throughout the constituency, claiming that children who are struggling are simply the result of poor parenting.

Tory MP Slams Parents of Disadvantaged Kids

Tory MP James Daly, representing Bury North in Greater Manchester, ignited a controversy with his assertion that many struggling children in his constituency are “the products” of poor parenting.

The comments, made in the context of advocating for “working-class conservatism,” have drawn both criticism from political opponents and support from Conservative colleagues who defend Daly’s opinion.

Daly’s remarks came to light during an interview where he discussed the goals of the New Conservatives, a group of predominantly Red Wall Tory MPs, led by Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger. The group focuses on social issues and promotes a traditional Conservative approach, particularly in areas such as family values.

Daly argued that stability within the family unit is crucial and went on to claim that many struggling children in Bury have parents he referred to in a derogatory manner.

Party Responses

James Frith, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Bury North, swiftly criticized Daly for what he deemed “insulting” the parents of Bury. Frith urged the Tory MP to look “closer to home” and consider the Conservative government’s economic record, asserting that over the last 13 years, the party has failed to stimulate economic growth, protect public services, and provide opportunities for young people in Bury and across the UK.

Members of the New Conservatives, including Danny Kruger, rallied behind Daly, asserting that he was right to emphasize the importance of good parenting in shaping children’s life chances. Kruger criticized Labour for what he sees as a focus on financial solutions rather than recognizing the crucial role parents play in shaping a child’s future.

Daly said, “When you think about the family, it’s about stability. Most of the kids who struggle in Bury are the products of crap parents, and so what do we do to try to address that issue?”

Call For Personal Responsibility and Family Values

Brendan Clarke-Smith, a former children’s minister and New Conservatives member, echoed Daly’s sentiments, calling for more “personal responsibility” and emphasizing the significance of “good family values.” Clarke-Smith argued against relying solely on financial solutions, stating that parenting is the most crucial job, and the state cannot be a substitute for responsible parents.

This perspective highlights a deeper ideological difference, with some members advocating for a more individualistic and value-based approach to societal issues.

Sir Robert Goodwill, another former children’s minister, acknowledged a “wide divergence in parenting skills” and refrained from repeating Daly’s words. He stressed that many children face disadvantages from an early age and that there is “scope for improving parenting skills.”

While cautioning against stigmatizing parents, Goodwill suggested supporting them by offering guidance and resources.

Prime Minister’s Commitment

During a visit to the North West, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to the controversy sparked by Tory MP James Daly’s remarks on struggling families and “crap parents.”

Sunak expressed his resolute commitment to preventing children from growing up in poverty, stating, “No one wants to see any child grow up in poverty. I certainly don’t.” In response to questions about the causes of child poverty, Rishi Sunak highlighted the government’s evidence-based approach, stating, “All the evidence and the research shows that the best way to ensure that children don’t grow up in poverty is to make sure that they are not growing up in a household where no one is working.”

The Government’s Plan

Sunak outlined the government’s plans to invest in childcare provision and raise the national living wage. He reinforced this strategy by stating, “A child where neither of their parents is working are five times more likely to grow up in poverty.”

Rishi Sunak concluded his response by outlining specific plans to alleviate financial burdens on families. He pointed to the imminent reduction in national insurance rates and spoke of the importance of tax cuts, stating, “The best way we can help families is to make sure that those parents are in great jobs and are well-paid and that we are cutting their taxes.”

Oscar Davies

Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.